NNPA Fund Names 2025 Scholarship Winners Honoring the Next Generation of Black Media Leaders

The National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund (NNPA Fund) has announced its 2025 scholarship recipients, shining a spotlight on ten remarkable students whose talent, drive, and commitment are shaping the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling in the Black community.

This year’s class represents a diverse group of scholars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country, each selected for their academic excellence, community engagement, and passion for elevating Black voices in media.

Meet the 2025 NNPA Fund Scholarship Winners:

• Alyssa James
  Jackson State University
  Junior majoring in Graphic Design, Alyssa is dedicated to visual storytelling that uplifts and empowers her community.

• Antasia Denzmore
  Lincoln University
  A Senior in Journalism, Antasia is committed to pursuing investigative reporting that holds power to account.

• D’Anthony Lilly
  Tougaloo College
  As a Sophomore in Mass Communications, D’Anthony is passionate about creating multimedia content that amplifies underrepresented stories.

• Jada Daniels
  Tennessee State University
  A Senior majoring in Mass Communications, Jada plans to pursue a career in broadcast journalism and documentary film.

• Jae Newton
  Grambling State University
  Senior in Mass Communications, Jae is dedicated to telling authentic narratives about Black culture and history.

• Kevin Gadner
  Tougaloo College
  Junior majoring in Mass Communications, Kevin has a strong interest in community-focused radio and podcasting.

• Londyn Wright
  Tuskegee University
  A Senior studying English, Londyn aspires to merge creative writing and journalism to tell stories that inspire change.

• Rayonna Gibson
  Bennett College
  Sophomore in Journalism, Rayonna is driven to spotlight social justice issues impacting Black communities nationwide.

• Shaterra Williams
  Texas Southern University
  Junior in Journalism, Shaterra hopes to become a news anchor dedicated to fair, accurate, and culturally relevant reporting.

• Thomas J. Early
  Mississippi Valley State University
  A Junior studying Journalism, Thomas is committed to covering the stories that matter most in the Mississippi Delta and beyond.

“These students embody the spirit of the Black Press fearless, creative, and determined to tell our stories in their own voices,” said Karen Carter Richards, Chair of the NNPA Fund. “We are proud to support their educational journeys as they develop into the next generation of changemakers.”

The NNPA Fund scholarships are part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to investing in Black talent and sustaining the legacy of independent Black journalism.